Scientists at Stanford University have identified a facial marker that may signal a higher risk of heart attack and stroke: xanthelasma, the yellowish patches or plaques that form around the eyes, most often on the eyelids.
The researchers set out to test whether the condition is linked to serious cardiovascular events. They published their findings in the journal Atherosclerosis.
What causes xanthelasma
Xanthelasma develops when immune cells, particularly macrophages, accumulate excessive amounts of cholesterol and other fats. The condition is often associated with elevated blood cholesterol, though not always. Because fatty deposits also play a key role in the development of atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of arteries caused by plaque buildup, the researchers suspected a link between the two conditions.
Nearly 36,000 people studied
The study analysed medical data from 17,925 people with xanthelasma, comparing them with an equal number of people without the condition.
The results were striking. During the first year of follow-up, a heart attack occurred in about 1 percent of people with xanthelasma, 178 patients, compared with about 0.35 percent, or 63 people, in the control group.
A similar gap appeared for strokes. Among people with xanthelasma, the rate was about 0.95 percent, compared with 0.3 percent in the control group.
For transient ischaemic attack, often called a mini-stroke, the rates were 0.6 percent and 0.19 percent respectively. Although the absolute numbers remained low, the risk of cardiovascular events among people with xanthelasma was several times higher.
Risk persisted for years
The researchers followed participants over an extended period. The gap between the two groups narrowed somewhat over time, but even after 5 and 10 years, people with xanthelasma still faced a significantly higher risk of serious cardiovascular events.
The link held regardless of whether participants had abnormally high blood fat levels.
The scientists stressed that this does not mean the yellow patches themselves cause heart attacks or strokes. Xanthelasma may simply be an outward sign of underlying processes taking place in the body.
The study authors said their research shows that xanthelasma can be regarded as a risk factor for future serious cardiovascular events.
What to watch for
People usually see a doctor about xanthelasma for cosmetic reasons. But the researchers believe the appearance of these growths could prompt additional checks of cardiovascular risk factors, including cholesterol levels, blood pressure and other measures of heart and vascular health.
The scientists noted that early detection allows people to change their lifestyle in time or, if needed, begin treatment.
At the same time, the appearance of yellow patches around the eyes does not mean a person will necessarily have a heart attack or stroke. It is only a possible marker of higher risk, one worth discussing with a doctor.
